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Definition of alterne in English:

alterne

noun

Ecology

A plant community exhibiting alternating dominance with another in a particular area as a result of environmental changes; the area occupied by such a community.

Origin

Early 20th century; earliest use found in Frederic Edward Clements (1874–1945). Immediate origin uncertain; ultimately related to alternative, altern, etc. Perhaps from French alterne altern, although this appears to be attested neither as a noun nor in specific ecological use.